Dog owners may face jail time, up to $100K fines in proposed law following serious dog attacks
- Replies 22
Severe consequences for irresponsible dog owners with dangerous pets are on the horizon, as one state ramps up its legislation to prioritise the safety of the community.
Fines of up to $100,000 and even prison time may be in store for reckless pet owners whose dogs attack others.
The Queensland government recently concluded a period of public consultation, inviting the community to weigh in on proposals for tougher laws against irresponsible dog owners and dangerous dogs.
As a result, a bill will be presented once parliament resumes.
Key elements of this bill include a potential new offence warranting up to three years' imprisonment for serious dog attacks. All dogs would also need to be maintained under effective control in public settings to minimise unnecessary danger and nuisances.
Five specific breeds are also expected to be banned under these new regulations.
These breeds, which include Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario, will be prohibited due to their aggressive nature and history of attacks.
However, pet owners of these breeds need not panic just yet. Queensland's Agriculture Minister, Mark Furner, earlier announced a 'grandfather period' permitting those who owned the noted breeds prior to the legislation passing to keep their animals.
'There is strong support for individual responsibility when it comes to dangerous dogs and under our updated laws owners will continue to bear that responsibility,' the minister said.
'There needs to be a strong deterrent in place to prevent irresponsible behaviour that can put the community at risk.'
The move towards these stricter laws follows a series of attacks last April which resulted in three people being admitted to hospital.
Another tragic incident includes the fatal mauling of Queensland meter reader Kane Minion by three large mixed-breed dogs.
The unfortunate incident happened in a house on Ison Road in the Logan suburb of Greenback which included a Bullmastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback in December of 2022.
Members, what are your thoughts on this proposed legislation in Queensland? Let us know in the comments below!
Fines of up to $100,000 and even prison time may be in store for reckless pet owners whose dogs attack others.
The Queensland government recently concluded a period of public consultation, inviting the community to weigh in on proposals for tougher laws against irresponsible dog owners and dangerous dogs.
As a result, a bill will be presented once parliament resumes.
Certain dog breeds will be banned in the new legislation. Image source: American Kennel Club.
Key elements of this bill include a potential new offence warranting up to three years' imprisonment for serious dog attacks. All dogs would also need to be maintained under effective control in public settings to minimise unnecessary danger and nuisances.
Five specific breeds are also expected to be banned under these new regulations.
These breeds, which include Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario, will be prohibited due to their aggressive nature and history of attacks.
However, pet owners of these breeds need not panic just yet. Queensland's Agriculture Minister, Mark Furner, earlier announced a 'grandfather period' permitting those who owned the noted breeds prior to the legislation passing to keep their animals.
Pet owners of the five breeds to be banned need not worry as a 'grandfather period' was announced by Queensland's Agriculture Minister Mark Furner. Image source: American Kennel Club.
'There is strong support for individual responsibility when it comes to dangerous dogs and under our updated laws owners will continue to bear that responsibility,' the minister said.
'There needs to be a strong deterrent in place to prevent irresponsible behaviour that can put the community at risk.'
The move towards these stricter laws follows a series of attacks last April which resulted in three people being admitted to hospital.
Another tragic incident includes the fatal mauling of Queensland meter reader Kane Minion by three large mixed-breed dogs.
The unfortunate incident happened in a house on Ison Road in the Logan suburb of Greenback which included a Bullmastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback in December of 2022.
.png){kind=icon}
